000
FXUS66 KSTO 192207
AFDSTO
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Sacramento CA
307 PM PDT Mon Mar 19 2018
.SYNOPSIS...
Dry weather continues today with milder temperatures. Wet weather
returns Tuesday and continues into the weekend.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
Mostly clear skies prevail across interior Northern California
today as a shortwaveridge builds across the state. The leading
edge of a cirrus shield has started to move overhead...expect
increasing cloudiness this evening and overnight. High
temperatures this afternoon will be in the mid to upper 60s across
the Valley, with 30s to 50s over the mountains.
Our next storm system is currently spinning near 35N 140W and
slowly moving toward the region. Increasing moisture and warm
advection may lead to a few sprinkles as early as tonight, though
most of the precipitation will hold off until during the day
Tuesday. The atmospheric river is likely to make landfall across
central and southern California, whereas our forecast area will be
on the northern periphery of the storm. For Tuesday, expect mainly
light to moderate precipitation with high snow levels.
Heavier precipitation is forecast to begin Wednesday night and
continue Thursday as deeper moisture moves north into NorCal ahead
of the approaching cold front and upper trough. Snow levels will
initially be rather high, 6500-7500 feet, but will tumble to below
4000 feet behind the front by later Thursday. Periods of moderate
to heavy precipitation will be possible, particularly over the
mountains. Gusty winds are also possible on Wednesday across the
region, and isolated thunderstorms could form across the lower
elevations Thursday afternoon.
Dang
&&
.EXTENDED DISCUSSION (Friday THROUGH Monday)
Showers continue on Friday as one disturbance passes through
early in the day and another arrives late in the day. Snow levels
will be around 2500-3500 feet, with accumulating snow a possible
travel hazard. Precipitation on Saturday is expected to mainly
light and focused in the mountains. Sunday is trending dry and
warmer, as upper ridging develops with dry northwest flow. Dry
weather continues next week, with a warming trend. EK
&&
.AVIATION...
VFR conditions expected over the next 24 hours, with light winds.
EK
&&
.STO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Winter Storm Watch from Thursday morning through late Thursday
night for West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada-Western Plumas
County/Lassen Park.
&&
$$